Wasteland Town!
Located just outside the Ancient Wasteland Region, it was the only settlement within this desolate and remote area. Many daring mercenaries gathered here, hoping to explore the Ancient Wasteland Region in search of treasures that could make them soar to fame overnight.
The Ancient Wasteland Region was one of the oldest places on the Dou Qi Continent — and also a forbidden land for humankind, a nightmare even for powerful experts.
Within it, the climate was harsh, and poisonous mists filled the air. Ferocious beasts roamed everywhere, many of which had existed since ancient times. Some of these creatures were no weaker than any of today's Magical Beast Tribes, save for the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. Even members of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe who entered would face grave danger.
After all, those so-called Heaven Demon Phoenixes were merely descendants bearing diluted bloodlines of the true Ancient Heavenly Phoenix — not the real thing.
Because of that, this undeveloped region remained a natural ancient relic. Relics, treasures, and lost wonders from the distant past lay buried within, countless beyond measure.
Drawn by such allure, countless mercenaries came to test their luck. And so, Wasteland Town arose at the edge of the region — surviving by proximity to danger itself.
As Liu Xi stepped through the tall gates, the endless yellow sands gave way to a rough, dust-filled city. A raw, untamed aura hit him head-on.
Beside him, the beautiful Qing Lin's bright eyes flickered curiously as she looked around. The wild surroundings reminded her of Stone Desert City in the Tager Desert — a place of painful memories, yet also where she and Liu Xi had first met.
"Since the Ancient Wasteland Region is filled with danger, let's see if this town has a map," Liu Xi said casually as he walked on the coarse, cracked ground. He was a bit surprised — there were more powerful auras here than he had expected.
"Alright," Qing Lin replied softly, following close behind. She never cared where they went — so long as she was with him.
Within the bustling streets, mercenaries shouted, vendors hawked goods, and taverns rang with laughter. The smoky liveliness of mortal life filled every corner.
Humans had an incredible ability to adapt; even in a barren wasteland, they could build a thriving town.
Yet Liu Xi and Qing Lin clearly stood out. Compared to the rugged locals with tanned, weathered skin from years beneath the sun and sand, the two looked far too clean.
Their fair, smooth complexions marked them instantly as outsiders — especially Qing Lin, whose porcelain skin seemed to glisten faintly pink, soft enough to bruise with a touch.
As they passed through the streets, many turned to stare — some with curiosity, others with greed, some with mocking amusement.
Liu Xi noticed them all but didn't care. 'A bunch of Dou Wangs and Dou Huangs, maybe a few Dou Zongs at best. If any of them cause trouble, I'll crush them with a flick of my finger.'
Qing Lin felt the same. In her emerald eyes, there was room for only one person — Liu Xi. Everyone else simply didn't exist.
To their credit, the mercenaries weren't complete fools. Though tempted, none dared to provoke the youthful man whose calm presence gave off a pressure they couldn't fathom.
The streets were lined with stalls and shops selling all sorts of items — weapons, armor, pills, monster cores, herbs, and countless oddities.
Detoxification Pills and Healing Pills were the most popular, along with a variety of monster cores and medicinal herbs. Indeed, the Ancient Wasteland Region was a vast treasury.
Liu Xi browsed idly. Though monster cores were abundant, none exceeded the 8th Rank — creatures he could now slaughter with ease.
Still, he did pick up a few rare herbs, trading a few pills in exchange. They might come in handy later.
However, one thing puzzled him — there wasn't a single accurate map of the Ancient Wasteland Region. The few that existed were vague, full of blank, uncharted areas.
Examining one such map, Liu Xi sighed lightly and set it back down. The news of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree hadn't spread yet. For now, he'd have to explore blindly.
"Little brother," said a thin, wiry man behind the stall, noticing Liu Xi's hesitation. His eyes gleamed slyly as he began his pitch, saliva flying with enthusiasm. "Don't underestimate that blank space. This is the Ancient Wasteland Region! Danger lurks everywhere — one wrong step and you're swallowed by poison fog or torn apart by beasts. Nine out of ten never return! This map was pieced together through blood and tears — every forbidden zone here cost lives! Only ten thousand gold coins, and you gain fifty percent more chance to survive. A bargain if you ask me!"
Liu Xi's lips twitched. The deceitful gleam in the man's eyes couldn't escape his Spiritual Perception. This one was clearly trying to scam him.
Still, Liu Xi did need a map. Even if it wasn't complete, it would be better than nothing. He was just about to haggle when—
"Don't you dare buy that monkey's map, kid!" boomed a thunderous voice nearby. "That little rat's too scared to even step into the Ancient Wasteland Region — his map's completely fake!"
Liu Xi turned toward the voice. A giant of a man strode over — easily eight feet tall, built like a bear, his body covered in scars beneath a torn leather vest. His square face carried a bold, good-natured grin.
"Brother Jie!"
The scrawny man's body stiffened. Fear flashed through his eyes before he forced a pitiful expression and began to plead for mercy.
The burly man glared at him, his eyes momentarily flashing with ferocity. "Monkey, tell him yourself — is that map real or fake!?"
"Brother Jie, please don't!" the man cried miserably, tears and snot streaming down his face.
"Hmph!"
Under that cold snort, the man wilted completely. "It's fake," he confessed in defeat. "I only walked around the outskirts. I've never dared enter the Ancient Wasteland Region."
Liu Xi watched the scene quietly. Even after the man admitted his deceit, he bore no ill will. People's hearts were unpredictable — not everyone deserved condemnation.
"Thank you, brother. May I ask your name?" Liu Xi said with a faint smile, ignoring the scammer entirely.
The burly man grinned broadly. "Name's Wan Jie — second-in-command of the Mad Bear Mercenary Group. Listen, brother, every inch of land inside the Ancient Wasteland Region that's been explored is a treasure kept secret by its finder. No one shares their maps freely. If you plan to go treasure hunting in there, don't go alone. You could join or hire our Mad Bear Mercenary Group. It's safer in numbers."
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.